A Caesar salad with Parmesan crisps is a refreshing, flavorful, and elegant dish that elevates the classic Caesar with a touch of crunch and a nutty, cheesy twist. The crisp romaine lettuce is coated in creamy Caesar dressing, paired with savory Parmesan crisps, and topped with additional Parmesan for a truly satisfying bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Caesar salad with Parmesan crisps is not just your average salad. The Parmesan crisps add a delightful crunch that replaces or complements traditional croutons, making it perfect for those who want a lower-carb option without sacrificing flavor. The combination of creamy dressing, crisp lettuce, and cheesy bites creates a balance of textures and flavors that is both comforting and refreshing. It works beautifully as a starter, side dish, or even a light main course.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Romaine lettuce, washed and chopped
Caesar dressing (homemade or store-bought)
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Olive oil
Fresh lemon juice
Salt and black pepper
Anchovies or anchovy paste (optional, for the dressing)

For the Parmesan crisps:

Parmesan cheese, finely grated

Directions

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Place small mounds of grated Parmesan cheese on the baking sheet, flattening each slightly into a thin circle.
Bake for 5–7 minutes, or until golden and crisp. Allow to cool completely before removing from the sheet.
In a large bowl, combine chopped romaine lettuce with Caesar dressing and toss until evenly coated.
Season with lemon juice, salt, and black pepper to taste.
Transfer to serving plates and garnish with additional grated Parmesan cheese.
Add Parmesan crisps on the side or crumbled on top for a crunchy finish.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 people.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 7 minutes
Total time: 22 minutes

Variations

Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad: Add grilled chicken breast slices for a protein-packed meal.
Kale Caesar Salad: Swap out romaine for kale for a nutrient-dense twist.
Garlic Parmesan Crisps: Mix a little garlic powder with the Parmesan before baking for extra flavor.
Seafood Caesar: Top the salad with grilled shrimp or salmon for a seafood variation.
Avocado Addition: Add avocado slices for creaminess and a boost of healthy fats.

Storage/Reheating

Store the salad (without crisps) in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Parmesan crisps should be stored separately in a sealed container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain their crunch.
Do not refrigerate the Parmesan crisps, as they may soften.
If preparing in advance, keep the dressing separate and toss just before serving to prevent sogginess.

FAQs

What are Parmesan crisps?

Parmesan crisps are thin, baked rounds of grated Parmesan cheese that harden into a crunchy texture, often used as a substitute for croutons.

Can I use pre-shredded Parmesan for the crisps?

It is best to use freshly grated Parmesan, as pre-shredded varieties may contain anti-caking agents that prevent proper melting and crisping.

Can I make the Parmesan crisps in advance?

Yes, Parmesan crisps can be made a day or two ahead and stored in an airtight container at room temperature.

Is Caesar salad traditionally made with anchovies?

Yes, authentic Caesar dressing typically contains anchovies or anchovy paste for its signature umami flavor, though it can be omitted for a milder taste.

Can I make the salad vegetarian?

Yes, omit the anchovies and use a vegetarian Caesar dressing. The Parmesan crisps are still suitable unless following a strict vegetarian diet that avoids animal rennet.

What type of lettuce works best?

Romaine lettuce is traditional, but you can use kale, little gem, or a mix of crisp greens.

How do I keep the Parmesan crisps from sticking to the pan?

Use parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.

Can I use another cheese for the crisps?

Yes, hard cheeses like Asiago or Pecorino Romano can also be used, though the flavor will differ slightly.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, as long as your Caesar dressing is gluten-free, this salad is naturally gluten-free because the Parmesan crisps replace croutons.

Can I serve this as a main dish?

Yes, by adding a protein such as chicken, shrimp, or salmon, this salad can easily serve as a main course.

Conclusion

Caesar salad with Parmesan crisps is a simple yet elegant dish that elevates the classic Caesar experience. With crisp lettuce, creamy dressing, and the irresistible crunch of baked Parmesan, this salad strikes the perfect balance of flavors and textures. Whether served as a side or a main course, it is sure to become a favorite for any occasion.